 |
Today is the Feast of Saint Blaise, the third century Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. The Acts of St. Blaise tells us of his extraordinary powers as a medical doctor, his being exiled during the persecution of the Emperor Lincinius and his freeing the boy who was choking on a fish bone. The 15th century Russian icon here shows Blaise healing the wild animals while living as a refugee in the desert.
So, reflecting on these themes, there's a lot we might call to mind today:
- Prayers of gratitude for the doctors who help us.
- Prayers for those who have had to leave their country for threat or menace (there are some who have a very hard attitude towards these people).
- Prayers for the children of the world, many of whom are in terrible difficulty.
- Prayers for the threats against the wild animals and plants - the loss of their habitats to destruction and the rolling back of protections so someone can make big money.
The little prayer used today for the traditional blessing of throats says:
Through the intercession of Blaise,
the bishop and martyr,
may you be freed from all sickness of the throat,
and from every other evil. Amen
"And from every other evil." I'd suggest St. Blaise would be glad to have us invoke him for more than just taking care of our sore throats. One blogger calls him the Patron Saint of Careful Chewing. We can look more deeply:
Holy Bishop Blaise this day,
cure us of the complaining which comes out of our throats:
the harsh and hurtful words,
the scary, too loud words,
the words of discrimination,
and so much disapproval,
the words that in an instant are rehearsing personal woes.
Holy Martyr Blaise, this day,
heal us of the lies which come out of our throats:
and any hateful word,
any manipulative word,
the punishing word,
the regrettable word,
the discouraging words that pick, pick, pick.
Holy Healer Blaise, this day,
may we speak full-throated words of kindness:
fair words,
grateful words,
compassionate words,
supportive, welcoming words,
prayerful, praising words,
words that carry light,
words that carry joy. Amen.
